Hoppers 2s are looking to put the dissapoinment of last weeks tough defeat against a tough and rugged Hoppers 3s to bed as this week we entertain Firwood Waterloo at home in a 2.15 KO. The team from Liverpool are still hunting for their first win on the road this season and will be looking to test the Hoppers resolve from the start. They have had some close games this season, and made life hard for Caldy at the Pavillion last week, narrowly losing out in a scoreline that doesnt reflect the performance.
There has been some changes in personnel this week with the injury list at the club getting bigger, and also half term holidays has meant that some players have returned home. Saying that, we are fortunate that the player base in the club is exceptional and we are still able to name a very strong squad.
In the front row, Tyler Sloane and new boy Ryan Wilkinson, who has looked exceptional in training this week, prop either side of the arrows specialist Harry Holden. In the row, Jonathon Wilson and Anthony Dennison look to cause havoc again in the loose and set plays. The back row see’s Dominic Aspinall start on the openside, with Jack Edwards taking the 8 shirt after again looking dominant in training. Sam Tickle makes his senior debut for the club at blindside after also impressing in training.
The backs see’s a welcome return to Andy Hulme who starts at scrum half and will look to create a good partnership with the experienced Mark Murray who starts at ten. In the centres, Cameron Berry and Andrew Deakin look to bring a wealth of experience in attack and defence, and they will be ably supported by the flying speedsters Jack Swarbrick and Jake Ellwood. Controlling at the back is the very experienced Olly Viney who is only available at home this week as we eagerly await the arrival of his new born. On the bench see’s the exciting Ollie Kitchen given the chance to show what he can do as well as Kyle Clow who will offer some power and aggression to the back row.
Training has been good this week and the lads have regrouped well. We have had chance to reflect on last weeks performance and collectively the players recognised that playing to our potential, and having our own identity is the most important thing.
Paul Moran
